Clarion APX400.2, APX200.2 User Manual

INTRODUCTION

The Clarion APX200.2 and APX400.2 are full-featured two-channel amplifiers. incorporating the following features:

• Full frequency response with low distrotion and exceptional signal to noise performance

• Advanced circuit design that features bridgeable and mixed mode operation

for use in various systems, including those with satellite speakers and/or subwoofers

• Variable high-pass/low-pass electronic crossover with a 12dB per octave

slope and full adjustable range (from 55Hz to 5.5kHz) to aid in audio system design

• Variable bass boost circuit to reinforce low frequency signals that may be lost due to subwoofer box design

• Adjustable input level controls with ground loop isolation accepting a wide range of input signals

• Remote turn-on with “soft start” muting to prevent turn on “thump”

• Pulse-width modulated (PWM) MOSFET power supply with low AM RFI and protection circuits for overheating and speaker shorts

• 2-ohm load capability to drive a variety of speaker systems

• Gold-plated input/output connectors and an extenal automotive type fuse

• Aluminum heat sink for efficient heat dissipation

• Low profile, compact size for space limited installations

ABOUT THE MANUAL AND WARRANTY

To start enjoying your new Clarion two-channel amplifier, please read the instructions listed in this manual. Keep all instructions for future reference. Please fill out and send in the enclosed warranty card to protect your purchase and aid in warranty service. Also, save your original sales receipt as proof of

purchase.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Description • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 3 Input Connections and Audio Controls • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 3 Connections for Power and Speakers • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 5 Applications • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 6 Installation • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 9 Mounting Precautions • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 9 Wiring Precautions • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 9 Setting the Gain • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 12 Setting the Crossover • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 12 Setting the Bass Boost • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 12 Final System Checks • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 13 Troubleshooting • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 13 Product Specs • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 14 Notes • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 15

DESCRIPTION

The Clarion APX200.2 and APX400.2 two-channel amplifiers provide 2x70 watts and 2x110 watts of power into a 4 ohm load and 2x110 watts and 2x190 watts of power into a 2 ohm load. These full featured models are an excellent choice for a variety of car audio sound system configurations.

The APX200.2 and APX400.2 use an unregulated MOSFET power supply for superior control of output wattage. Atoroid-coil transformer yields maximum power transfer with minimum heat loss. Careful attention to circuit design keeps AM RFI at low levels, so you won’t hear unwanted noise when the level is cranked up. Protection circuits safeguard the amplifier when overheating and speaker shorts or improper load conditions occur.

All connections and controls of the APX200.2 and APX400.2 are on the end panels and are easy to understand. We use gold-plated RCA and barrier connectors to ensure the best electrical connection for your system. Included is an external automotive type fuse that is easy to replace.

INPUT CONNECTIONS AND AUDIO CONTROLS

The front panel of the APX200.2 and APX400.2 both contain connections for RCA Inputs, Speaker Level Inputs and Audio Controls as shown below.

The RCAInput Connections are gold-plated RCA Jacks and are labeled as RIGHT and LEFT.

Figure 1-

1. RCA Input Jacks

2. Gain Control

3. Bass Boost Control

4. Freq (Hz) Selection Control

5. Crossover Frequency Multiplier Switch

6. X-Over Mode Switch

7. Input Select Switch

8. Speaker Level Inputs

• Gain Control - This allows you to set the nominal operating level of the

amplifier. The amplifier’s range, 250mV to 2.5V for RCA inputs or 500mV to 5V for speaker level inputs, can accommodate input levels from virtually any brand of source unit.

• Bass Boost Control- The amplifier also features a “high-Q” (i.e. narrow

frequency band) Bass Boost circuit. It acts much like an equlaizer, with adjustable gain (from 0 to +18dB) fixed at 45Hz. Use this feature to tune lowfrequency audio response to compensate for a less than ideal subwoofer enclosure design. The added boost produces rich, full bass tones that are normally difficult to reproduce in the car audio environment. Note: If Bass Boost is undesired, set Bass Boost to 0dB.

High-pass/Low-pass Filter Controls

• Frequency (Hz) Selection Control - The crossover frequency is fully

adjustable between 55Hz and 5500Hz (via the Crossover Frequency Multiplier) for a wide range of crossover points. Use this feature, along with your speaker manufacturer’s recommended crossover frequencies, to quickly design a more advanced system (see Applications on page 5.) NOTE: If the X-Over Mode Switch is set to OFF, varying the Freq (Hz) Control will produce no effect.

• Crossover Frequency Multiplier Switch - When engaged, this switch

increases the crossover frequency by a factor of 10. Example: If the Freq (Hz) dial is set for 240 Hz, pushing in the multiplier Switch changes the setting to 2400 Hz.

• X-Over Mode Switch - This switch is equipped with a 12dB per octave

electronic filter for precise frequency attenuation with minimal phase distortion. The steep crossover slope keeps midrange tones out of the subwoofer and thereby eliminates an unnatural “nasal” tone quality in the audio system. A filter is activated by sliding the X-Over Mode Switch to either LP or HP.

• Input Mode Switch - This switch allows you to set the input mode. Stereo

input allows full left and right stereo operation. Right (bridged) input allows single channel input for bridged operation. This is especially useful in highpowered systems when using one amplifier for each subwoofer/speaker. L + R (sum mono) allows a stereo input to be summed into a mono output.

• Speaker Level Inputs - These provide connections for a high-level stereo

source. In addition, these connections are provided for installations where the source unit’s RCA outputs are unavailable.

WARNING:When using the speaker (high-level) inputs, the Black wire must be grounded at the Radio. Failure to do this will result in noise and improper operation.

CONNECTIONS FOR POWER AND SPEAKERS

The rear panel of the APX200.2 and APX400.2 both contain power and speaker connections as shown below.

Figure 2-

1. Left Speaker Output

2. Right Speaker Output

3. Remote Turn-on Input

4. Ground Input

5. Battery + 12v Input

6. 25 Amp Fuse / 40 Amp Fuse

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